Calling People of Goodwill: The Bible and the Common Good

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1 Calling People of Goodwill: The Bible and the Common Good PROMOTIONAL PACK In this pack you ll find ideas for promoting this booklet including short, medium and long draft copy samples and a collection of commendations to quote from. Promoting the booklet in your networks We have created our short accessible bible study booklet to help thoughtful Christians of all traditions understand the Common Good in the Bible and respond to God s calling to transform the world. If you think people in your networks would like to hear about this, we suggest three ways: 1. Write a piece in a newsletter, magazine or blog: you ll find two sample drafts on pages 2 and 3 (short, medium and long) to adapt to your own context. You can use the picture above (copy from the page on our website and save) and choose commendations appropriate for your networks from the collection on pages 4-6. To download a pdf flyer please click link below: If you publish, please send details and url at info@togetherforthecommongood.co.uk and we ll help to promote your piece on Twitter. 2. Share on social media: use words and pictures to share how praying with the booklet has helped you discern what God has called you to do for the common good, establish new relationships, or discover different passages from the Bible which inspire you. If you use Twitter please use the hashtag #commongood and If you set up a Facebook group to chat about the booklet, tweet us a link. 3. Host an event: the booklet is ideal as a stimulus for prayer groups, retreats, awaydays, and discussions looking at the Common Good. You can choose to focus on a particular chapter or work through all six over a period of weeks. You can download our guide to holding an event at Copies are priced at To order, please visit Bulk discounts are available by ing jack@biblesocietyresources.com About the booklet Calling People of Goodwill was created by Together for the Common Good in partnership with Bible Society in association with Kirby Laing Institute for Christian Ethics and Jesuits in Britain. The ecumenical working group was convened by Jenny Sinclair, the resource was facilitated by Fleur Dorrell and the biblical scholars were Dr Jonathan Rowe and Nicholas King SJ. About Together for the Common Good Together for the Common Good is an emerging movement aiming to bring alive the principle of the Common Good and to encourage people to work together across their differences. It is independent, ecumenical and non partisan and draws from across the Christian traditions. Find out more at Contact: info@togetherforthecommongood.co.uk Page 1 of 6

2 Sample copy 1 short (131 words) A new easy to read booklet, Calling People of Goodwill: The Bible and the Common Good has been published by Together for the Common Good and Bible Society. In a time of great division, and the most febrile of Elections in view, this timely bible study shows how God calls us to build relationships in our communities and work together across our differences. This beautiful and wise book explores the most important issue of our day (Timothy Radcliffe OP) Commended by over 15 senior church leaders, the booklet is designed as a stimulus for prayer groups, retreats, away days etc and is ideal for groups looking to discern how God is calling them to transform their community, workplace or neighbourhood Order at Bulk discounts available. More information at: Sample copy 2 medium (232 words) Calling People of Goodwill: The Bible and the Common Good We are living in turbulent times with religious, political and social divisions challenging our identity and common life. So what kinds of conversation and encounter will help us find a way to live together? A new Booklet has been launched to help thoughtful Christians of all traditions understand the Common Good in the Bible and respond to God s calling to transform the world. [copy and paste a commendation or two here see pages 4-6] This handy and accessible guide contains six short passages from the Old and New Testaments t looking at what the Bible can show us about the Common Good, with insightful commentary, evocative prayers and prompts for discussion and action. Published by Bible Society, it has been created by a working group led by Together for the Common Good ( an emerging movement dedicated to bringing the principle of the Common Good alive and encouraging people to work together across their differences. It isn t easy to respond to God s call to live for the Common Good. It requires us to be people with the courage to mix with those our own crowd rejects, to stay in the room, negotiate and keep dialogue going by recognising the humanity of everyone, including those with whom we disagree. This is a Booklet for our times. To order, go to Page 2 of 6

3 Sample copy 3 longer (408+ words) New booklet calls on people of goodwill to work together, across their differences In a time of great division between Brexiters and Remainers, Corbynistas and Labour moderates, Libertarians and One Nation Conservatives, a timely new booklet calls on people to work together and help to strengthen their communities. Calling People of Goodwill: The Bible and the Common Good is a short and accessible Bible study guide, an initiative of Bible Society and Together for The Common Good, in association with Jesuits in Britain and Kirby Laing Institute for Christian Ethics. The booklet has been welcomed by over a dozen senior church leaders across the Christian spectrum. Archbishop Justin Welby said, "This little book is a wonderful introduction and a timely reminder that we are called as the church to seek the common good of all in our communities, whether local, national or global. I am pleased to commend it and hope it will inspire many to commit to being people who strive for the common good." Cardinal Nichols added: 'Vivid images; crisp and insightful commentary; sharp pointers for discussion; clear progression of thought and ideas; evocative prayers: "Calling People of Goodwill" is a real treasure! Jenny Sinclair, Director of Together for the Common Good said the booklet will be a helpful stimulus for prayer groups, awaydays, parish events, conferences, retreats or just for keeping in your pocket or handbag and reading on the bus. We know that Christians of all traditions want to discern what God is prompting them to do for the Common Good. As Christians, we are about transforming the world. We hope after they read it, people will share their stories on social media, using the hashtag #commongood. [copy and paste commendations relevant to your networks here see p 4-6] The booklet contains six short Bible passages with reflections, questions and prayers to prompt discussion and action. Fleur Dorrell, Bible Society s Scripture Development Coordinator says, the divisions we see today between different tribes and groups is nothing new. This is something that the Bible talks about and takes seriously. We hope that this book will help people to re-explore scripture in a way that will make Britain a better society. This is a booklet for our times. This beautiful and wise book explores the most important issue of our day, how we may flourish together Timothy Radcliffe OP The booklet is priced at 3.99 per copy and bulk discounts are available. Copies can be ordered at Page 3 of 6

4 COMMENDATIONS Calling People of Goodwill: The Bible and the Common Good has received commendations from leaders across the Christian spectrum. These are also available on our website, at Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury "This little book is a wonderful introduction to the Common Good and its importance in Christian thinking. At a time of uncertainty and challenges to our shared values and practices, this is a timely reminder that we are called as the church to seek the common good of all in our communities, whether local, national or global. I am pleased to commend this study guide and hope that the reflections offered will inspire many to commit to being people who strive for the common good." Cardinal Vincent Nichols Vivid images; crisp and insightful commentary; sharp pointers for discussion; clear progression of thought and ideas; evocative prayers: "Calling People of Goodwill" is a real treasure! I hope it is widely used and deeply pondered for it can truly help us all to get to grips with faith in action today. My thanks to all who have produced this great resource." Jean Vanier, L Arche "This book is about peace. Peace is not just in the hands of politicians and the military. It is in the hands of each one of us. We are all called to work for the common good and universal brotherhood and sisterhood and to open our hearts to those who are different and feel excluded. Thus breaking down the barriers of fear around our hearts.' Billy Kennedy, Leader, Pioneer Network and Co-President, CTE In recent years the church has been learning again what it is serve the least, the lowly and the marginalised in our society. The church has left the building and is playing its part in the transformation of peoples lives. This resource is timely and will inspire and strengthen the church s resolve to be all it s called to be. I m pleased to recommend it. The Revd John Proctor, General Secretary, The United Reformed Church This Bible study material is thoughtful, practical and serious without being heavy or wordy. It would work well in many a small group, and will help Christians to contribute confidently to a complex world in testing times. Timothy Radcliffe OP, Former Master of the Order of Preachers This beautiful and wise book explores the most important issue of our day, how we may flourish together I love the expression that God is our common good. Page 4 of 6

5 Dr Ruth Valerio, Global Advocacy and Influencing Director, Tearfund In a me-focused, high-consumer society, the common good is a radical and novel concept: one that could transform our lives and our churches if we were to get hold of it properly and live it out. This little book will help you do just that and I warmly commend it to you. Dr Jane Williams, St Mellitus College "This important and accessible study encourages us to see God s big picture of the human race, rather than our smaller vision, which often only contains people like ourselves. By reflecting on a number of key Bible passages, this pocket book challenges us to seek the Common Good." Rev Dr Chris Wright International Ministries Director, Langham Partnership ' What does the Bible say? Too often, when that question is asked about any social or ethical issue, the answer comes in the form of one or two verses quoted at random. The great merit of this study guide is that it takes the Bible for what it is - the grand overarching story of God s plan and purpose for creation as a whole and our identity and mission as human beings, created in God s image and redeemed by the Lord Jesus Christ. The careful selection of texts from major sections of the Bible s story will help any individual or group to have a stronger grasp of the message of the Bible as a whole on how we are to live together in God s world, and a greater curiosity to dig deeper into the riches of biblical revelation and wisdom elsewhere.' The Very Revd Dr Pete Wilcox, Dean of Liverpool "This is an opportune reminder, in an increasingly fractured world and an increasingly fractured Britain, of the Christian calling to the common good. Here are accessible reflections on Holy Scripture, with helpfully intriguing questions and imaginative invitations to prayer. The call to invest in the wellbeing of our neighbours and our neighbourhoods, our nation and our planet is integral to authentic Christian discipleship, as every user of this brief but substantial guide will appreciate." Dr Hugh Osgood, Free Churches Moderator, Co-President of Churches Together in England "Endeavouring to put the Bible's teaching into practice on a daily basis is not just a matter of personal piety. There are immense benefits that can flow to society when we take the Bible's teaching seriously. 'Calling People of Goodwill' is a powerful reminder that we should be outward looking, and provides an excellent resource for developing such thinking in thoroughly biblical and practical ways." Rt Revd Dr Jo Bailey Wells, Bishop of Dorking "When Jeremiah urges his people to seek the welfare of the city, he offers a vision for how God s people in all times might relate to society as a whole. This booklet succinctly conveys how Jeremiah s words resonate not only throughout Scripture but into the shape of our lives as disciples today." Page 5 of 6

6 The Revd Lynn Green, General Secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain One of the areas where we see God at work at the moment is in drawing various Christian traditions and networks into creative partnerships. Working together in this way enables us not only to engage in mission within our communities but offer prophetic insight into the life and values of our nations. This is a timely opportunity to be reminded of the core principle of Common Good and the Biblical narratives that underpin it. This set of Bible studies will enable individuals and small groups reflect on our theology and our practice as we seek to engage in the public square. Paul Bayes, Bishop of Liverpool The God of the Bible is a fountain of sending love - love with the capacity to transform all we are, individually and as a society, my personal good and our common good. This collection of scriptures and reflections will help you to integrate your own journey in holiness and our common journey to true justice and peace. I strongly recommend it! Revd Prebendary Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons "I once heard a Film Director say that he had stopped being a Christian and had become a Buddhist because Buddhism was a way of life, whereas Christianity was just something that you did once per week. I was shocked to the core, and remembered thinking what poor example of Christianity he must have had to arrive at that conclusion. This short bible study is accessible and will enable everyone who is serious about living out their faith to easily engage with it." Bishop Eric Brown, Pentecostal President, Churches Together England "God in his great and generous love wants us to work together with others of goodwill to build the common good. With helpful bible study reflections and questions for discussion, this excellent little pocket book empowers us to direct our prayers and actions to work for the flourishing of all." Major David Taylor, Spiritual Life Development Secretary, Salvation Army '"Calling People of Goodwill: The Bible and the Common Good" is a timely and highly accessible study guide, with aptly chosen readings and insightful reflections. It offers an excellent opportunity for group discussion that leads to shared vision and action. It is to be recommended for all churches seeking to live the gospel, serving as a vital antidote to consumer Christianity and indulgent individualism." Page 6 of 6